37 of the new Disney collectibles

Forget about those plain black Mickey hats. The Cars Land version is way cool with racing stripes and tires for ears. Price is approximately $16.95. This hat, like everything in this slideshow, is available only at Disney California Adventure. The huge line of new hats, clothes, pens and toys are designed around the new attractions opening June 15 at the Anaheim theme park. Click on Mickey's Cars Land ears to see more new Disney products.TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY

Disney is introducing hundreds of new toys, hats, pins, T-shirts and other memorabilia to complement the reopening of Disney California Adventure and its new attractions Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Mad Hatter's "T Party."

Click on the photo to see a sampling of what your kids are going to pester you to buy after a long day at the park. (Watch out, Mom, some of the items have been specifically designed with "car guy" dads in mind. More about that in a minute.)

All this new merchandise is available only at Disney California Adventure stores, so don't go to Toys R Us, Target or your favorite toy store looking for these items.

They're a park-exclusive slice of Disney Consumer Products, which contributes more than $26 billion to the company, according to LicenseMag.com. Licensed Disney products alone account for 35 percent to 40 percent of all licensed merchandise for kids sold in the United States and Canada, says Ira Mayer, publisher of EPM Communications Inc.

The new products tied to the June 15 extravaganza and sold only in the theme park aren't licensed; they are all designed and made by Disney Theme Park Merchandise artists and product designers.

Team members work in Anaheim and Orlando, Fla., creating new products for a variety of park projects. Toy designer Cody Hampton, for example, is working on hundreds of toys in addition to the ones created for the reopening of Disney California Adventure.

The park's reopening is a bigger project than usual, says Design Manager Dan Howard, who is in Florida. "Disney World is opening Fantasy Land in stages, so it's smaller. This (Anaheim) project is so big that it makes a statement. It is going to feel amazingly cohesive."

Product developer Carla Lewandowski says the products team members were brought in about three years ago, shown the park makeover plans and told to go forth and create merchandise to match.

They worked with the themes of Cars Land, based on the Pixar movie and its characters; 1920s-inspired Buena Vista Street entrance, which includes the Pacific Electric Red Cars that once served Los Angeles; and the Mad Hatter's "T Party" from Alice in Wonderland.

"We have to offer something for the whole family," Lewandowski explains. "Everything we wanted to execute, we did."

All the ideas will eventually become products, although some will be released in later phases, Howard adds, refusing to give even a hint of what's to come.

But here are some of the new products now available:

•Die cast cars of some never-before-seen characters from "Cars"

•Mickey ears hats in new shapes

•Tractor tipping play set

•Luigi's Flying Tires kit with cones

•Mechanics kit for customizing 1/64-scale Radiator Springs Racers

Not every product introduced with the reopening of Disney California Adventure is for children. John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, oversaw the work tied to Cars Land. He told the team "to go for Dad; think about Dad," Howard says. "That helped us when we envisioned ourselves in a car culture world."

For example, a line of "Champions" gear is authentic to the "Cars" story but also appealing to men who love cars. "Would Dad wear it? Is it something Dad would want," Howard says.

Forget about those plain black Mickey hats. The Cars Land version is way cool with racing stripes and tires for ears. Price is approximately $16.95. This hat, like everything in this slideshow, is available only at Disney California Adventure. The huge line of new hats, clothes, pens and toys are designed around the new attractions opening June 15 at the Anaheim theme park. Click on Mickey's Cars Land ears to see more new Disney products. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The new toy line at Disney California Adventure stores includes a set of die cast racers from Radiator Springs. The scale is 1/64. And if you're in to collecting a whole set of "Cars" vehicles, you'll have to go to Disney California Adventure to buy these. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Hundreds of new toys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats, games and other memorabilia are being introduced at Disney California Adventure shops to match new attractions including Cars Land, Buena Vista Street and Mad T party. Prices start at $7.95 and for the clothing line range from $19.95 to $400. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The Mad Hatter's top hat takes on a glamorous look in teal with flowing hot-pink ribbon. Price is $16.95. The Alice in Wonderland theme, called the "Mad T Party," will be a nighttime show at the refurbished Disney California Adventure. Does that imply that California is just a little crazy? TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
If glamour isn't your style, how about a top hat decorated wacky plaid and suits of playing cards, also reminiscent of the Mad Hatter? Price is $24.95. The tea party will be the setting of Disney California Adventure's nighttime dance event. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
One of the favorite pastimes in tiny Radiator Springs of the "Cars" movie is tractor tipping, so Disney product developers created the play set featuring Tow Mater and Lightning McQueen. Price is $24.95. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
There's no doubt that the buyer of this pin not only went to Disney California Adventure but to its new attraction Cars Land. Pin collecting is big with Disney memorabilia fans, so any new attraction is going to have an entire line of pins for these collectors. Pin prices range from $8.95 to $49.95. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
All Aboard is the call for the Red Car Trolley attraction at Disney California Adventure. But the coolest item is the Mickey ears cap shaped like a conductor's hat. The Mickey doll is wearing a matching hat. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Disney is hoping that kids of all ages will ride the Luigi's Tires or Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure and then buy the T-shirt or poster to take home. Hundreds of new products have been created for exclusive sale at the theme park to match new attractions. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
There's no mistaking that this Gear Up For Adventure pin is a Mickey Mouse product, but the tie-in to the new Cars Land attraction is more subtle. The whole line of Gear Up For Adventure pins will be released for sale at the park on June 29. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
These new Cars Land vinylmation characters come with Mickey ears and Champion styling. There are six 3-inch and two 9-inch characters. Prices start at $12.95 each. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The Luigi's Flying Tires kit comes with four cozy cones so you can almost re-create the theme park attraction at home. In the movie, Luigi is a 1959 Fiat 500 who owns the tire shop in Radiator Springs. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Vehicles are the big theme of new attractions at Disney California Adventure - from the Red Cars that hearken back to Los Angeles' old trolley lines to Radiator Springs racers in Cars Land. If you don't want to wear your souvenir, you can get the poster to hang on the wall. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Mater's Junkyard Jamboree is a play set that is part of the 1/55 scale die cast vehicles being added to the inventory of Disney California Adventure stores this summer. These characters are more tractor than tow truck, similar to trams that carry guests around Cars Land. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
If you don't like one of the ready-made "Cars" characters, you can create your own with this Radiator Springs Racers Mechanic Set. It is sold only at Disneyland Resort shops. The scale is 1/64. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Six main characters from the movie "Cars" - including Lightning McQueen and Mater - are available as pull-back nano racers in one pack. You can pop the wheels by inserting a coin in the back of the car. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Those Cheshire cat eyes are a pretty stylish statement about the new "Mad T Party" dance show at Disney California Adventure. Clothing prices start at #19.95 in theme park stores. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Where up is down and everyone gets lost in wonderland is all part of the Mad T Party at Disney California Adventure. The theme will appear on T shirts and other clothing available only in stores in the park. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
"Think of Dad" was the instruction for some of the Cars Land apparel and mugs, so the look is understated and more mature than cartoon characters on kids' apparel and toys. The "dad" products are especially apparent in the Champions product line. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
This Champions Speed Shop pin is one of those items more likely to appeal to dads than kids. Like the wrench? Pin prices range from $8.95 to $49.95. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Lightning McQueen is one of the "Cars" main characters who will be prominent on new products at Disney California Adventure and its Cars Land attraction. The box in the lower center of the group can be used for lunches or storing die cast vehicles, park officials say. It has to be the coolest thing in this picture. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Sarge is a Willys Jeep from the "Cars 2" movie and now a pull-back car that is 9 inches long and 7 inches high. Pricing starts at $5.95 for the extensive new toy line complementing the opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Disney is betting big that visitors to the reopened Disney California Adventure are going to love Cars Land. Product designers tried to include something for everyone, from the glittery tops for girls to Champions Speed Shops for the car guys in the family. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Mater is one of the favorite "Cars" characters, so of course he turns up on T-shirts, hoodies, cups, caps and toys in the exclusive Disney California Adventure inventory. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
What would a Disneyland Resort pin be without Mickey and Pluto? In keeping with the opening of Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, the pair are riding in - what else? - a car. Pin prices range from $8.95 to $49.95. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Glittery tops for females are one of the few items designed specifically for the gals in the crowd at Cars Land, one of the new attractions in the reopened Disney California Adventure. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The Mickey and Walt Disney statue is part of Buena Vista Street entrance to the reopened Disney California Adventure. This replica scupture is 8 inches high. It comes in various sizes for $135 and up. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
"Don't pick up hitchhikers" and "Don't drive angry" are good Rules for the Road pins. Notice how Disney product designers managed to pull in other Disney characters, such as Cruella de Vil (right), to a theme tied to the new Cars Land attraction. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The Buena Vista Street entrance to Disney California Adventure will have a Red Trolley like the Pacific Electric Railway that served Los Angeles until the early 1950s. Disney offers up a whole line of toys, signs and clothes, hoping that visitors will take a bit of memory home with them. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Buena Vista Street is the new entrance to Disney California Adventure. It's a throwback to Los Angeles in the 1920s and 1930s, so all the products are designed along that theme. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
For those tourists who want to make sure their neighbors back home know they were in the Golden State, Disney has included a line of T-shirts and toys with the Disney California Adventure name and, of course, Mickey and Minnie. T-shirt prices start at $19.95. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Notebooks, key chains and magnets are part of the Champions Speed Shop line that is being introduced to complement the reopening of Disney California Adventure and its new attractions. The Champions line is especially targeted at car guys. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Any family that has taken a vacation road trip can relate to this Are We There Yet pin, one of the Gear Up For Adventure pins that will be available only at Disney California Adventure as of June 29. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Only annual passholders will be offered the opportunity to buy this Gear up for Adventure 2012 limited-edition pin. No missing the "Cars" connection with these pins. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
Cool and understated (compared to some Cars Land toys and T-shirts) is this Low n Slow Car Club pin, part of the "think of Dad" approach for some products this year. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
This pen is for those who are collecting pins of Disney California Adventure and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY
The "Mad T Party" is the extravaganza and dance show inspired by Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" movie that will liven up Disney California Adventure at night. Most likely, whatever you remember from reading Lewis Carroll's novel will be in the show. This artwork is available on souvenir clothing. TEXT BY JAN NORMAN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, PHOTO COURTESY DISNEY

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